Monday, August 31, 2009

Well the time has come to announce our first weekly challenge. One of our team members, Laura, has decided on a word for this weeks challenge and that word is "Summer". The challenge is for you to create something, anything, that has to do with summer, whether it be something that reminds you of summer or something that has summertime colors in it or the word summer is used in the piece. Whatever your little heart desires. Some examples might be a necklace, photo, mixed-media piece, painting, using the colors of summer, the word summer or be made with seashells, pearls, palm fronds, or whatever evokes summer to you.

This is supposed to be fun, get our creative juices flowing and help us to increase the amount of items in our shops. This challenge is open to anyone with a blog. You will need to have said project completed and a photo posted to your blog no later than Sunday, September 6th.

So off you go now. Create something fabulous and then come back here and leave a comment with a link to your blog post so we can all come see what you made. Should be fun! I know I can't wait!

Oh yea, if you want to you can link back here for all to see and share in the fun. We will have a new word/color or both posted every Monday.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Well we certainly seem to be the queens of Treasuries this week, lol! Here's another one of our team beauties...Thanks to Angie's Treasury earlier this week, I learned you can add an item to a Treasury from your favorites which is how I was able to include Dawn's work even though she's on holiday. Thanks Angie!

Oh and here's a link to the Treasury West in case you'd like to click, comment or both. ;-)

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

We interrupt our previously scheduled blog post for a very cool spotlight...

Our own Tali of Tali-Schiffer Photography is hosting a giving game on her blog. The theme is that you give something to someone and get something back. It rather reminds me of those mystery grab bags they had in stores when I was a child. You never knew what you were going to get but it was SO much fun to buy one just see what the surprise was. There's more detail on her blog so scoot on over if you're interested and sign up.

Well it's obviously National Grab-a-Treasury week ladies, as I also managed to get one this morning! Dawn I've used a sold item of yours as your shop is on vacation at the moment - hope that's OK. Comments and clicks welcomed!PS Apologies for worst screen shot ever - you can see it properly here. Anyone who is more p.c. enabled than me is welcome to change the photo!!

Monday, August 24, 2009

I don't know what it is but we sure seem to be lucking out with grabbing team Treasuries each week for our "What's New on the Avenue" series. It's a huge time saver though so thanks! *looking up*

For this week we have a lovely assortment of creations from our team member's shops and we have all twelve slots filled with different artist's work as our own wonderful Catherine has returned from her holiday, whoot!♪Welcome back Catherine!♪ To visit the Treasury just click here - enjoy!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Our hearts go out to our fellow teammate LuLu of Coastal Sisters. LuLu's home was flooded last night including their basement, second floor and water damage on their third floor. They lost power through most of last night and have been trying to stay on top of removing water and dealing with their backyard and the overflowing pool.

In the midst of this all LuLu still managed to join our team meeting today explaining to her understanding husband that she had to attend since we were holding voting for our new committee members.

LuLu you're an absolute angel for making our meeting despite all the chaos surrounding you today! We love you dearly and are with you through this very trying time!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Welcome to our weekly post featuring what's new along Inspiration Avenue! This week we'll be spotlighting several of the items available through our team Etsy shop.

From the Gossamer Tearoom we have a beautiful 2010 Black Calender decorated with desserts, strawberries, teacups and so much more...Coast Sisters is featuring this beautiful "Marie Antoinette Charm" charm pendant...A lovely hand painted "Pink Bird Cage" original ACEO card is offered by Artangel...Mana Moon Studios is featuring a selection of her handmade Woven Wire Key Holders, this one entitled "Submerged"....From Pimp and Paint we have a fabulous selection of original handmade "Dragonfly Cards"...The wonderful scent of "Sprig" is offered by Emberseed...Andy digitally created by Harmony Quest Designs is this gorgeous "Mermaid Daydreams" collage...Interested in finding more creations by our team members? Just use the tag "iae team" the Etsy search box to find more gorgeous creations! And don't forget our members are always adding new items to our team shop, so be sure to check in often for more fabulous handmade creations!

Monday, August 3, 2009

It's my honor to introduce our newest team member Michele of Michele Lynch Art!! Michele is brought to us through our own darling Luthien and we're so happy to have her on our team!

Michele is an accomplished jewelry artist creating whimsical pieces she sells through her Etsy shop, Michele Lynch Art. While primarily focusing on steam punk influenced creations Michele possesses and innate artist talent as seen in her earlier work.

When asked about her work Michele described it as... "I love mixed media and jewelry, so steam punk jewelry was a natural transition for me. I also create one of a kind hand painted fused glass pendants..." Michele offers and eclectic mix of handmade earrings, rings, pendants and brooches all made one of a kind!

Michele also maintains a blog at: Michele Lynch Art Blog where you can get to know the wonderful person behind the artist. Through Michele's postings and comments her lovely, charming, and totally fun personality shines through at every turn.

So please join me in welcoming this incredibly talented artist and fabulous new member to our team ~Welcome Michele!!

Sunday, August 2, 2009

We're SO excited to announce the winners of our blog party giveaways but before we do, we just want to thank you all so much for participating and all the wonderful comments you left! This was our first blog party and SO much fun!!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

We're delighted you could join us! Everything's all aglitter. There are flowers, balloons and streamers all around. Finger foods, cupcakes and summer fruit spritzers for your to enjoy. Come in and have some fun with us. See how you can win 1 of 2 fabulous giveaways.

Each of our team members were asked two questions, the first was "What inspires you most about our team" and the second was "Out of all the work you've done what piece of your own creation inspires you the most and why?" Let's go around the room and see what our team members shared for their responses..."What inspires me about our team, first & foremost, is our team's name. What else could you need when you have such a distinctive name as 'Inspiration Avenue'. It could easily be a line in a John Lennon song... But apart from the name, which is what brought me here in the first place, I am inspired by our team members. When you have a group of supportive FRIENDS I believe the sky's the limit! Some members inspire me more with their works, some more with their personalities and friendships. I recently went through some hard times in my personal life, and still am, but part of what inspires me to continue my professional path and hold my head up high, is hte great support, love and care I have received from this amazing group of women!""I chose one of my first ever shot maternity photos as my inspiration photo. The reasoning is that this first photoshoot was the first time I found the niche I was comforable in within the photography world, and it was the first time I was actually inspired to build my own business!"Tali

"The camaraderie! Hands down ... this is the most inspiring element I find is this group. Everyone is exceptionally supportive and totally positive about each other's work ... it's even made more apparent when there is a gently aggressive leader behind it all, who keeps everything going and everything and everyone together.

I think that an artist is often lonesome and lives in his/her own world. Lay people dont' necesarrily undertand artists. Maybe we're hyper sensitive ppl but at times when no one appreciates your work or understands you, it's quite difficult on the psyche. With a group like Inspiration Avenue ... like minds come together and support each other ... like a family. Sometimes even just a "hi" ... makes so much difference :) ... for me at least. :)"

"There are quite a few. But if I have to choose one ... it would be this art cabinet that I put together from scratch. I was looking frantically for a cabinet to house my supplies but couldn't find the right specifications. So I guess out of frustration, I told myself to make one! I really thought it would probably fall apart ... well it didn't.I wanted just to leave it as it is but didn't like the imposing look it gave me each time I looked at it. So I added some "elvish" designs on it to soften it's look ... I am really inspired by LOTRs. I dun think people would understand why I would waste so many nights putting layers upon layers of texture paste on the doors of the ugly cabinet ... after all it has served it's purpose. But it satisfied me inside. Everytime I see the "elvish" designs on the door ... it sparks something in me and I am prompted to open it and start creating.

So if I have to choose, it willbe this monsterous, weird looking cabinet simply because it was one of my first projects and it got me started on what I'm doing now AND it's like a charm that keeps me going at my art. :) That's why I have a special connection with this little monster. :)"Luthien

"The thing that inspires me most about our team is the sense of the monumental caring we all have for each other and the support we give one another through our team. Whether it's a kind word, praise for a new creation, sharing a laugh or sharing a sorrow. I am so thankful that I am a part of this team.""This piece inspires me because of my deep love for the sea and all the colors that the ocean water can be at any given time."LuLu

"What inspires me about being part of the IAE team is the sense of creativity, community and support. As well as being creatively inspired by everyone's individual artistic styles and passions, it's really been heart-warming to see how all members, new and old, have been supported and welcomed into the group. I always feel that whether I am celebrating a success or whether I am having a "fed-up" day, the girls are always there with me sharing the ups and downs, encouraging me and being my biggest cheerleaders!""this painting inspires me as I love using re-cycles bits and pieces in my work, and creating something new from things that already have a "history". I also love hearts!"Angie

"When asked what inspires me most about the Inspiration Avenue Team it is our diversity. We come from places all over the world and what we do creatively is diversified as well. I enjoy seeing the many different perspectives represented in our team!""Currently, a reoccurring thought I am having (and I will probably address creativity in the near future) is about the Moon. All of the talk recently about the Moon has made me remember what it was like being a small child sitting in front of the television on a hot summer night, watching the first moon walk. Over the years, I have developed my own mythology about the moon and each time I see the full moon, I am inspired again!"Betty

"The support, encouragement and friendship that everyone in our group offers one another is quite exceptional. I am hugely inspired and encouraged by the way we all laugh and celebrate our individual successes together, but equally, we all feel the hurt and sorrow when life dishes out the hard stuff. I feel immensely priviledged to be amongst such an amazing group!""I love these earrings because they are so bright and they catch the light beautifully. Murano glass and gemstones are such an intoxicating mix! I enjoy mixing colours to create something a little unusual."Catherine

"What inspires me about our Inspiration Avenue Etsy Team most is the members support of one another. Inspiration Avenue is fun to be a part of the diversity of handmade art and the rapport we have with one another. Someone is always looking to see where we can advertise our shops, team, etc. There is always someone keeping things fresh and exciting. I am proud and honored to be a part of Inspiration Avenue. Thanks ladies!""This is a custom wedding guest book I created for a bride-to-be. I love it because she gave me the colors and the feels she wanted and then I was given creative freedom to put it together. The bride wanted a victorian feel with turquoise, red, black and rhinestones. I enjoyed antiquing the cover and pages and combining elements to give it a regal feel."Tammy

"What inspires me most about our team... without question it is the beautiful people that it is comprised of. Not only are they extraordinarily talented in their own medium, they are some of the kindest, most compassionate women I've had the sincere honor of coming to know. They are selflessly supportive of one another and provide a tireless source of encouragement to each other. The on-line venue for artists is immense to say the least, and to have found such a treasure as Inspiration Avenue amongst the vastness of the internet is like finding the perfect home for the creative soul."

"One of my most treasured digital creations is the Starry Nights Digital Collage. I have many passions and interests and my art always reflects them. But this particular piece is full of elements that inspire me each and every day - things that I carry with me in thought to always move me forward in my life's journey. The endless sky of Stars reminds me that the Universe is full of lessons and gives if I remain open to it's teachings. The gates represent the entrance and exit in to each journey I will travel. The butterfly represents safe passage through my journeys on it's graceful wings. And on the wings of the butterfly are steadfast reminders to me that there is always an Angel to watch over me while my feet are planted on the earth and my dreams are reaching for the moon and stars. May we all have safe passage through our life's journeys and always listen to our dreams and wishes because they are the whispers of our authentic selves."Dawn

"Back in January when I was first searching for an Etsy team to join, I knew what I was looking for... I had a dream of a supportive and inspiring group of artists who all work with different mediums. Although I have tremendous admiration for my fellow jewelry artists, I possess a love for all things creative and artistic. Beyond this though I desired to be among friends; to find a place where I was always welcomed and appreciated, a place where I could lift others up and express my caring side. Through my journey I was unable to find such a team and so with the help of my very dear friends we created Inspiration Avenue.

In truth, the most inspiring aspect of our team is by far it's members. Each one it their own way helps to create the atmosphere we all cherish and appreciate so much. Whether it's a new creation it's a new creation presented for team members to view and comment on or the warmth of a caring comment - these members encompass every aspect of the dream I hold so dearly.

Inspiring each other can never be underestimated and holds a magic unto itself. It sparks our creativity, moves us emotionally and empowers us to rise above our lives, reaching higher for new goals both personally and professionally. Through our journey together some members have left but only because the demands of life were too pressing at the time. Those who have left have been touched by the same appreciation for our unique group and know that they will always be welcomed back with open arms. It truly is a wondrous journey on Inspiration Avenue and one I look forward to each and every day.""This collection reminds me of how far we can come if we just hold tight to our dreams of doing what we love most despite the challenges. There have been many times I've thought of giving up and finding a "real" job again and yet I've pushed through and kept working harder toward my goals. Creating custom orders have never been easy for me; Will the customer like it? Will it turn out the way I'm hoping? These questions plague me, but taking the steps; accepting the order, working on the project, and staying in the moment allowing creativity to flow serve as a constant reminder that anything is possible in life if we just try."Sharon

Thanks so much for visiting with us and getting to know us better! Now don't forget to leave a comment to quality for a chance to win this fabulous $20 gift certificate to our shop. For those of you who signed up to be listed for our blog party, you're already entered to win our grand prize package!

And... don't forget the party is not over! It continues on all the blogs listed to the right--->Just like all the best parties, it's so much more fun to mix and mingle!